Living-kidney donors undergo minimally
invasive laparoscopic surgery to remove the donated kidney (laparoscopic
nephrectomy). Risks associated with this procedure are small and manageable.

Compared with open surgery to remove the
kidney, laparoscopic kidney removal:

Minimizes trauma to the
internal organs

Avoids a large incision through
the muscles by using smaller incisions, which minimizes the risk of most postoperative
complications, significantly reduces postoperative discomfort, and
facilitates quicker recovery

Shortens hospital stays to
about 24 to 48 hours after surgery

The donor and the recipient undergo surgery
at the same time, with both patients placed under general anesthesia. Once the
donor kidney is removed, it is immediately taken to the recipient’s operating
room, implanted, and connected to the appropriate arteries, veins, and the
ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder.

Most kidney donors can return to normal,
productive lives about four to six weeks after surgery, with many able to
return to work a week or two later, depending upon their jobs.

Because kidney donors permanently lose about
one-third of their kidney function, it is critical that they go to their
scheduled surgical follow-up visits and see their primary care doctors annually
for routine lab work and blood pressure checks. Donors also should eat a healthy
diet, maintain an appropriate weight, and avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

In addition, kidney donors also are advised
to tell all medical personnel about their donations for the rest of their
lives.